When should I retire?

When should I retire? I want to say "as soon as possible!"

But...I realized I don't actually have a clear idea of what I want to do when I retire. This question came about as I decide what to do with some savings I have. Put it into stocks? Anna's 529? My 401K? I am fortunate not to have any high-interest debt, just a mortgage.

So I'm going to start with some simple questions about retirement:

WHO do I want to be with?
Hubby, obviously. And we want to live near our daughter. Having a child gave me an epiphany: "Why the heck would parents live anywhere but within 30 minutes of at least one of their grandchildren?!?!?"

Your kids need you when they have kids, whether they admit it or not. Hubby and I have already decided that we will always live close to at least one of our kids when they have young children.

WHAT do I want to do and have?
I'd love to do community theater and volunteer at the theater. I'd also like to have a part time job or a hobby-business crafting, sewing, consulting, or teaching. Babysit my grandchildren. Travel with hubby.

As far as living arrangements:
Close walking distance to groceries/drugstore and a park. Within 20 minutes to my community theater and church.

A room or she-shed for my hobby-business. A guest [suite]. A small room/office for grandkids visiting. A master suite. (4 beds, 2.5+ baths) A garage for hubby's hobbies. A chicken coop. A garden shed for garden supplies and chicken feed. A small garden. A fire pit patio. A screened porch. A small yard (easy to mow) or a yard that is all ground cover, but enough to throw a ball and play with grandkids. (Not too much, though, because the park is close-by.)

WHERE?
Wherever Anna is.

WHEN?
By the time Anna has kids. Anna will be 30 in 2047, I will be 61.


Wow, that was easier than I thought... I guess I do know what I want!

Best Value Quality Sunscreen for Kids

I spent a couple HOURS cross checking the best rated sunscreens for kids list from the Environmental Working Group with prices. So you don't have to spend your time doing the same, here is what I found:

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Baby, SPF 30+ wins best value IMO. It has the lowest price per ounce (about $3/ounce at Walmart, Amazon, or Target) with a rating of 4.5 stars on Amazon. I also saw it at Walmart the day after I did my research, so it appears to be widely available.

If you're allergic to castor oil, like me, in Blue Lizard ingredients, though:

Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Lotion Sunscreen, SPF 50 has 4 stars on Amazon and $3.20-$3.70/ounce. However, look for Aveeno coupons (be sure to check the exclusions) and deals and you may find it for cheaper. (I like Krazy Coupon Lady for finding deals.)

Off the top of my head, I remember these two. Will update when I have my research notes with me.